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She Never Gave Up!

Aaleyah Belle is back at the rescue! Colic can happen at any time and I still cannot believe that we lost Oasis a couple of weeks ago to this insidious condition. And then it hit Aaleyah Belle out of the blue! Aaleyah so loves life and I am so very grateful that she got through this. She never gave up! Life can truly change in a blink of an eye. Thank you, all, so very much, for your good thoughts and prayers. We have been blessed many times with answered prayers. This is yet another blessing.

We have currently posted a fundraiser on Facebook to help cover the cost of Aaleyah’s surgery, hospital stay and veterinary care. If anyone would like to help with this need, you can visit our Facebook page (CLICK HERE), or if you prefer, you may contribute directly to Beauty’s Haven by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below. Please note that your contribution is for ‘Aaleyah Belle.’

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Thank you, all, for your continued generosity, love and support. If you would like to see our girl up close and personal, just click on the image above.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Life is About Determination

“Life is about determination! Don’t give up just because of the obstacles. Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going! Go through, go around, go over or under – but never give up!”

Aaleyah Belle, thankfully, continues to improve daily. On Tuesday, Dr. Hughes reported that Aaleyah’s heart rate was still elevated, albeit it had come down a bit. She is eating hay and passing poop. She was so happy to see Jenny and Jen walk through the door when they visited with her on Tuesday!

On Wednesday, Aaleyah was beyond thrilled to no longer be muzzled and she happily, munched on her hay. She is still not out of the woods as yet, but we are cautiously optimistic. This mare never gives up!

And, poor Gabe! He is just so anxious for his corneal ulcer and abscess to heal. We are administering quite a bit of eye medications and thankfully, the lavage has truly made a world of difference.

Please continue to keep both Aaleyah and Gabe in your prayers and if anyone wishes to contribute to their medical fees, it would be so greatly appreciated. Once again, donations for Aaleyah may be called in directly to PetersonSmith Equine Hospital at 352-861-1251 or 352-237-6151 (account #95501). Our website also offers a variety of options in which to contribute. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below.

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Thank you, all, for your continued generosity, love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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When it Rains, It Pours

On Saturday, when I was at the hospital with Aaleyah Belle, Jo somehow managed to lodge a sliver in her neck which became quite swollen and sore, but we are treating her accordingly, and she is, thankfully, doing okay. And then there is Gabe, who somehow injured his eye which caused him much discomfort and despite our daily administration of eye medications, there was little sign of improvement.

Since I had to attend to Jo and Gabe, I decided to remain at the farm on Sunday and asked Jenny to visit with Aaleyah at the hospital. I also decided that it would be the perfect time to call the vet out to assess Gabe’s eye. Upon examination, the vet discerned that not only does Gabe have a corneal ulcer, he has an abscess as well! Gabe’s eye medications were adjusted accordingly and a subpalpebral lavage was put in place which will make it much easier for us to treat his eye.

Chloe is, thankfully, doing okay – she has settled in nicely in the main paddock with her ‘new friend,’ Peaches, eagerly awaiting the return of her best friend, Aaleyah. Mo is adjusting to the loss of his beloved Oasis, thanks to our resident ‘wise old soul,’ Waylon, and his happy go lucky sidekick, Walker. I also visited Aaleyah today. She is having a fairly good day but she is not at all happy with her muzzle or stall. She did slime Jenny today so I’m taking that as a good sign!

Our vet bills are growing exponentially, so if anyone would like to assist with Gabe or Aaleyah’s veterinary expenses, it would be so greatly appreciated.

Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Maggie – Near or far, she’ll always be in our hearts

Maggie came to us last November as a county seizure. She had been living alone in a small sand paddock for many years. The case is still pending, but last week we were advised we had to release her to her previous owner. She was picked up on Saturday. It broke many hearts – especially Gabe’s. I can only hope and pray that there were lessons learned and that Maggie will be loved and properly cared for this time – and that she will have a friend. She truly appreciated having companionship.

Watching Gabe run around and hearing him call for her when she left and her call for him as the trailer drove away broke my heart. Animals certainly do feel happiness, love, pain, sorrow, and even a sense of loss.

Walking her to the transport trailer was a very hard thing to do and I feel like I betrayed her. I had promised her safety, food, and happiness. I’m sure she didn’t understand that we had no choice – we do have to follow the law. We all adore this mare and we cherish the bond that these two horses, each one having lived alone for many years before coming to us, had formed.

Together, Gabe and Maggie flourished. Maggie stays in my heart and in my prayers. The door is always open for her to come back.

Updated to address questions: We know where Maggie went. The State Attorney approved of the boarding facility where she was taken which is a couple of hours away. It’s off the beaten path so there is really no way to check on her by doing a drive-by. There was no restriction put on how long Maggie had to stay at the boarding facility.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Gabe, Maggie & Nadia

It was wonderful seeing Gabe and Maggie (a recent county seizure) together exploring new places and making new friends. They are both such very sweet horses. Gabe has COPD, which we are trying to manage, whilst sweet Maggie does not sweat at times. Maggie’s neglect case is still pending with the county but her owner has been charged. Maggie and Gabe both need sponsors for their care including hay, grain, farrier work, etc., so if you would like to sponsor or help either horse, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button at the bottom of this post where you can make a one-time contribution or sign up for monthly automatic donations which help tremendously.


ABOVE: Gabe and Maggie experiencing the innate joy of just being horses.

Nadia is still searching for a perfect friend since we lost Venus in November. Nadia and Venus had been together for twenty-five plus years. A few weeks after Venus passed, Peaches sensed that Nadia was grieving and remained by her side. Peaches has always helped others cope with the loss of a friend, but since she has always been a loner, her comfort to others is only temporary and after a few weeks of giving the other horse time to adjust, Peaches is ready for the other horse to move on. Nadia has Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a progressive condition that leads to chronic breakdown of tendons and ligaments. Her condition will only worsen and at some point, we will have to make the decision to let her join Venus. We will keep her comfortable for as long as possible, but in the meantime, we will continue our quest to find Nadia another very best friend from within our herd.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Our Precious Peggy Sue

It’s been a tough couple of days. Actually, a tough couple of weeks. I hate to share more sad news, but on November 15th, our precious Peggy Sue went to Rainbow Bridge.

Peggy Sue came to us in April 2012, unable to stand or bend her back legs with elf slippers for back feet. Some years before, her pelvis had been fractured in multiple places when humans tried to help her deliver her foal. Because her humans couldn’t pick up her back legs, they did not trim her back feet. We had no issue putting her in the sling for trims – she was always a very good girl.

Peggy Sue didn’t let her physical limitations stop her from getting around – she could really move out when she wanted to!

However, if she laid down and rolled over onto her left side, she couldn’t get up and we had to help her. We would roll her back onto her right side and she’d usually pop right up. Over the last few months though, it had been getting harder for her.

Arthritis and years of overworking her good leg/hip had taken a toll. We knew there would come a day when we’d have to make the heartbreaking decision to let Peggy Sue go, and that time had come. We loved her too much to allow her to suffer. The thought of her going down in the middle of the night, in the cold or rain, and not being able to get up, was a horrible image.

Peggy Sue had the darkest yet most beautiful bright and loving eyes that touched the soul. She left this world knowing she was loved, very much.

We were very blessed to have been given the years that we had with Peggy Sue. They all take a piece of my heart when they go, and Peggy Sue took a pretty huge piece. In my mind, I can picture her with her friends, Little E and Bria, under a Friendship Tree on this side of Rainbow Bridge where they await with the rest of herd. I find comfort in knowing we will see our loved ones again someday.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Our Beloved Venus

I’m sorry that I don’t have a good update. Venus took a turn for the worse on Wednesday evening, and yesterday, it was time to let her go. It wasn’t the outcome that we had prayed for, but it was the most loving thing that we could do for her. We couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate and kind care team – Dr. Adams, Dr. Cuadros, and all of the staff at Ocala Equine Medical Center were amazing and we appreciate them all, very much.

We were concerned about how Nadia would handle losing her best friend. We gave Nadia some time with Venus and I believe they both understood what was happening. At that point, I think we all (humans and horses) had reached a place called ‘acceptance.’ Acceptance is key to moving forward and with it, comes change.

Life at the rescue will be different, but we will cherish memories of Venus and do what she would want us to do – continue to help others in need.

Nadia has settled into a paddock with Peaches. Peaches is pretty much a loner – she always has been. But this afternoon, she sensed that Nadia needed a friend and when I left them, they were sharing a bag of hay hanging in their shelter. It gave me great peace.

Venus left this world with dignity, knowing that she was very much loved. She was a regal mare with a lion’s heart, fire in her soul and an iron will. She was the personification of beauty and grace. Her presence is still near and dear – we will carry her in our hearts, always.

Thank you for your good wishes and prayers for Venus.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Update on Venus

Venus is a champ! After a very long day on Wednesday, I am happy to report that her colon is back where it belongs! She is bright eyed and talkative but she needs to have a normal poop. We are so very thankful that Nadia, Venus’s best friend, is right across the aisle there to provide love and support.

They will likely be there until at least Monday. I know if Venus needs anything, she’s in great hands at EMCO (Equine Medical Center of Orlando). They’ve been very good to the girls.

In the meantime, a dear friend and supporter has offered to match all donations up to $1000 for our brave and beautiful girl.

You can contribute toward Venus’s care on our Facebook fundraiser, or here on our website, just click the appropriate button below. If donating on our website, please make sure to note it’s for Venus.

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Please continue to pray for Venus. Nadia would be lost without her, as we all would be.

Gratefully,
Theresa

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Hurricane Ian Update

We are doing okay. The winds and rains have not been as bad as expected. The barn is a mess but manageable, everyone is good here. Had Ian not changed course, it would have been devastating here. Simply devastating. The horses have their ID bands and breakaway halters on. They are doing pretty well except that Mishka is dealing with a horrible abscess in his front left foot. The abscess blew out of the coronet band yesterday but he’s pretty tender. It’s tough being such a big horse when your foot or feet hurt, I’m sure.

We are very saddened by the impact Ian has had on everyone in its path. We will continue to pray for those that have been impacted.

The winds and rain are starting to get worse. We will update again soon. Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers.

IMPORTANT: The trail ride fundraiser for Saturday, October 1 is POSTPONED, new date TBA.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Oh Peggy, My Peggy Sue

Peggy Sue’s Hooficure

We used the new winches today with the sling when it was time for Peggy Sue’s hooficure. They worked great and were much safer than the manual ones that we’ve been using for years. Winches with the sling are most necessary tools to help equines like Peggy Sue.

Peggy Sue can’t bend her bock left leg at all. Her pelvis was fractured in three places many years ago when her humans opted to ‘help’ her deliver her baby. She’s really a precious and determined little mare and she truly gets around quite well.

A number of our ‘Velvet Nosers’ ore also scheduled to have their hooficures this week, so If you would like to assist with this most necessary need, we would be forever grateful. The overage farrier fee per horse or donkey is $40 and this week’s visit will total $535. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below and note thot your contribution is for ‘Happy Feet.’

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On behalf of Peggy Sue and the Herd, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

 

Don’t forget to RSVP for:

Celebration of the Horse
Saturday, September 17, 2022

We are excited to announce a special guest appearance and performance by “Ivory Pal” at our Celebration of the Horse Open House event this year!!! Ivory Pal, the golden palomino champion Tennessee Walking Horse stallion – owned, trained, and loved by Rafael Valle – is an extraordinary performer and partner with exceptionally great temperament. This will be Ivory Pal’s first public appearance in Florida in 13 years after returning from Nashville, TN. To learn more about this amazing duo, CLICK HERE.

Details about the event can be found at https://bhfer.org/event/beautys-haven-annual-open-house or https://www.facebook.com/events/822279948753292.

Email BHFERopenhouse@gmail.com or text Elizabeth @ 352-339-2784 with any questions.

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